HT2050

HT2050 is what I got and I love it. That and the W1070 still going strong. You can probably find one on ebay for around that price easily

I love my JVC, but on a budget, they are a tough purchase. Replacement lamps can cost as much as the projector is even worth. Also, their older models are super dim. I'd typically get a BenQ W1070 or HT2050 model instead. It will be brighter, and have a nice balance between quality and cost that makes more sense. But, if someone lucks into a RS46 or newer, with low lamp hours, at that price, it may be a good buy if they know the costs of lamps and if it breaks, there is no cheap way to send it in for repair.

I think you end up with a lot of used/refurb models at this price point which can be very good as a first projector. My pricing pretty much stops at $500 as the low point which can get you the JMGO N1S brand new, or the Nexigo Nova Mini. Which are both models that have won on The Hook Up (YouTube) as top shelf portable projectors. If I were spending $400 on something that 'may be okay, but uses a lamp', I think I'd find $100 more to get a projector that is twice as bright as the other new $400 models if at all possible. That said, there are some good lamp projectors that can be had used for that price and they are definitely worth consideration if you intend to install it in a fairly permanent solution with proper projector placement. Models that u/PlayStationPepe in the used/refurb section are far brighter than anything in the 'new' section that he listed. But, the used models are traditional projectors. No built in smart operating system. No built in streaming. Lousy built in speakers (generally speaking). But, relatively bright. Plenty of light for a 150" diagonal if you want to go that big in a dark room. Or, 120" with some ambient light in the room and still a super usable image. Add your own Firestick or PC for streaming Netflix.

Budget? I'm in a similar situation as you with my BenqHT2050 for the last eight years. I'm going to get an Epson LS12000 as soon as budget allows.

I have two Benq projectors, HT2050 inside and TH585 by the pool. In my opinion, you get the most bang for your buck with Benq. That being said, my next upgrade will be the Epson LS12000, but I need to finesse the budget for a few more years. Check out the TK710 and the HT5550. EDIT: BTW, the W2720i is cheaper on the Benq website.

Get a Benq or an Epson. You'll have to accept 1080p for under $1000, but it will still be a great picture. I'm having a hard time upgrading to a $5000 4K projector because my Benq2050 still looks great after nine years.

Projectors last a long time, so spend the money on a good one now. I picked up a $750 1080p Benq, expecting to replace it within three years. It's been eight. I'm now willing to drop $5000 on an Epson LS12000 because I now know it will last me a decade. Silver Ticket screens are solid. Sure the Steward is better, but there's diminishing returns after a certain price. You can always upgrade your screen at a later date, but I doubt you'll feel the need.

So ht2060 is worth it? My ht2050 just died and it was 10 years old. Have a cheap Elephas wk1 for now

Back in 2017 I bought a BenQ W1110s (basically the W2000 without the factory calibration) that I calibrated. It's been serving me well for almost a decade. 7000+ hours runtime, on it's fourth bulb. I still love the picture quality and few TVs impress me. It's our main living room display. Back in 2020-2021 when 4K projectors started to become mainstem I decided an upgrade was inevitable, but since I had time on my side I decided to wait for the true 4K projectors to become affordable (sub $1000), a new legend like the BenQ W1070 and W2000, but that never happened to my understanding. Portable small LED shitbox projectors have overtaken all electrics stores for the sports fans, and cinema oriented projectors have moved to the "enthusiast" tier, starting at $2000, most of them being pixel shift versions. I decided to just look at used high end 4K projectors that are usually very cheap, but supply is non existent as everyone is selling their high end 1080P projectors. I "only" want 100" screen, but I don't want a bulky TV and I absolutely despise any "smart TV" functionality, I use a dumb Chromecast Ultra that never bugs me and always just works. Are there any projects left that would suit me? 2000-3000 lumen, no more, not less. DLP is fine as long as it's RGB (not W) and preferably high speed to reduce rainbow effect. Contrast is more important than rainbow effect. I use a gray screen.